Appointments 2 — Taseki Publications

Yamate-ryū®

2025 Taikai May 3 - 4

組形 (Kumigata)

We say that winning is not enough; anybody can win, but winning beautifully, that is the essence.

(Note: This site intentionally forgos the use of diacritical marks in some areas to facilitate searchability.)

Seminar

The San Diego Budokan (Hoshin Dojo) is pleased to host the 2025 Yamate-ryu Aikijutsu Taikai over the weekend of May 3 and 4, 2025. The Head Instructor of the Dojo is Mr. Nicolas Busan, assisted my Mr. Douglas Whitener. The Hoshin Dojo was established in 1968 and was integral in introducing Kenjutsu and Aikijutsu to the United States.

The theme this year will be the kumigata of the Yamate-ryu. The kumigata is a set of techniques within the soden (inherited teachings) whose formal and stylized exterior overlays aggression. We say that winning is not enough; anybody can win, but winning beautifully, that is the essence.

Whether you are new to Japanese martial arts or are an old hand, know that the Yamate-ryu welcomes all who possess the hunger to learn and the spirit to facilitate that desire.

The Yamate-ryu was brought to the United States by Mr. Fredrick Lovret in 1968, the first public seminar was held in 1973. The Yamate-ryu began as a family martial tradition in a time when people bore arms. It is a direct descendant of the Daito-ryu and remains oriented toward its original purpose. To learn more about the Yamate-ryu click here.

The instructor for the event will be Mr. Joseph Simms. He holds Menkyo Kaiden in the Yamate-ryu, Itto Tenshin-ryu, and Goseki-ryu Aiki Heiho. He is a deshi of Mr. Arvind Rajguru, the serving headmaster of these traditions. He is a student of conflict and strategy and brings this to bear in an intense, dynamic, and challenging experience.

The San Diego Budokan is located in Poway, California. Evening events will be hosted in the general area. The weather in Poway during the month of May is moderate with an average high of 74°F and an average low of 54°F.

Doors to the Dojo will open at 08:00 and the Taikai will begin promptly at 09:00 and continue until 16:00. Registration is inclusive of lunch and accompanying beverage service on both days. The Taikai will close at 16:00 on Sunday, to be followed by a semi-formal dinner (Black Tie).

While at one time common, semi-formal dinners have become rare. Today many associate back tie with weddings, award shows, and political affairs. To our tradition, they are party clothes. This is an opportunity to share together drink, food, and camaraderie born of shared experience, in a manner appropriate to the moment. Join us!

Please note registration will be on a first come first serve basis. Space is limited and early registration is appreciated. Upon completion of registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing the address for the San Diego Budokan and supplemental events.

Uniforms & Weapons

Attendees should wear traditional Japanese uniforms, including zori, clean and in good repair. Weapons required for the weekend’s training include, bokken, including daitō and tantō. If you have questions concerning uniforms or weapons please contact the Daiseki Dōjō here.

Lodging

Hotel Recommendations

SpringHill Suites San Diego Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Poway

12032 Scripps Highlands Dr, San Diego, CA 92131

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Testing Requirements

While the risk of severe consequences from COVID-19 has diminished, it's crucial to remember that there's still a risk, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions. It's our individual and collective responsibility to adhere to this policy to reduce the risk of transmission. We can't eliminate this risk, but we can help protect each other by working together and taking precautions.

Testing Requirements:

All attendees must test negative for the COVID-19 virus WITHIN 24 HOURS BEFORE attending Ryū gatherings.
You must take IMMEDIATE ACTION if you develop cold or flu symptoms during an event. As soon as you become aware of these symptoms, isolate yourself and arrange for a test. If the initial test is negative, repeat testing 24-48 hours later, as often, the over-the-counter antigen tests may not become positive for 2-3 days after symptoms develop.
In case of a positive COVID-19 test, notify the event coordinator immediately.
If you test positive for the COVID-19 virus WITHIN 3 DAYS OF RETURNING from a Ryū event, notify the event coordinator immediately.

Schedule

Friday, May 2, 2025 (Pre-Taikai Events)
1600 - 1800 | Open Mat
1900. - 2200 | TBD (Shared Cost)

Banquet

Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar

Dress: Semi-formal (Black Tie)

$100 Per Person (Gratuity Included) + Cash Bar

ASSORTED APPETIZERS

A selection of shared appetizers

STARTER

HOUSE SALAD

Crisp greens tossed with hearts of palm, dried cranberries, candied pecans & crumbled blue cheese vinaigrette dressing

ENTREE OPTIONS

CENTER-CUT FILET MIGNON

Fire-grilled served with whiskey peppercorn sauce, mashed potatoes & chef’s vegetables

BLACKENED SALMON

Cremini mushroom, charred kale, roasted carrot, cipollini onion, roasted garlic-cauliflower purée

KETCH ALE-BRINED CHOP

French-cut pork chop brined in Ketch Kolsch ale, mashed potatoes, glazed baby carrots with mushroom marsala sauce

DESSERT

CRÈME BRÛLÉE

Vanilla custard with caramelized sugar crust & topped with fresh berries

Seminar Registration

If you need assistance registering please contact us by clicking here.

*Registration for the taikai consists of both the online enrollment & the in-person noshi.

Enrollment Options (Online)
1. I am attending the Yamate-ryū Taikai only. US$ 150.00
2. I am attending the Yamate-ryū Taikai and banquet. (Local taxes and gratuity included.) US$ 250.00
3. I am attending the Yamate-ryū Taikai and bringing a guest to the banquet. (Local taxes and gratuity included.) US$ 350.00

Noshi (In-Person at Taikai)
- Recommended Noshi of US$ 100.00

Enrollment Process (2-3 min)

Locate the appointment with your enrollment option and select “Book.”
Select your time zone from the drop-down list and click the Set time zone button.
Select the event start time (10:00 AM).
Select and continue.
Enter your contact information.
Accept the Terms, Conditions & Acknowledgement and Release of Liability.
Attest you are at least 18 years old as of the date of this class.
Select “Pay Now” to Checkout.